Nine foreigners caught allegedly trying to leave South Africa to fight in Ukraine

What the report says

South African police say nine foreign nationals have been arrested after allegedly being found trying to leave the country to take part in the Russia-Ukraine war. BBC Africa reported that the group, aged 20 to 26, was detained in and around Johannesburg on Sunday evening, including at OR Tambo International Airport and a hotel in Bruma, east of the city.

According to police, the men were allegedly preparing to board flights out of South Africa, though their exact destination was not disclosed. Authorities said the case involves a suspected breach of South African laws that prohibit mercenary activity without government approval. Police also said Interpol and other international agencies were involved in the operation, suggesting possible legal issues in the suspects’ home countries as well. Officials declined to reveal the men’s nationalities, but confirmed that none of them lived in South Africa.

The report did not say whether the group intended to fight for Russia or Ukraine, and no details were given about any organization that may have helped arrange the travel. The arrests come amid wider concern across Africa about recruitment into the conflict, with multiple countries reporting citizens being lured or conscripted. BBC Africa noted that South African authorities have previously dealt with similar cases involving alleged recruitment linked to the war. The nine suspects are expected in court later Monday or Tuesday.